Alongside the usual top 10 countdown that culminates in the crowning of Push Square's game of the year, we've decided to expand our deliberations this year. On a select couple of days we will be celebrating different types of games, from smaller indie titles to those that push the boundaries of virtual reality. Today, we're celebrating everything independent. These are the very best indie games of 2018.
Bronze Trophy: Moonlighter
Where do the shopkeepers in all these RPGs get their wares from? And why are they charging such high prices!? Moonlighter answers both those questions with a rogue-lite adventure that feels surprisingly original despite using mechanics some may have soured on. The contrasts between the chilled atmosphere of the shop's buying and selling during the day and the slaying of beasts within the five dungeons around the village at night couldn't be more apparent, but it's what makes the experience tick.
When the sun goes down, you know it's time to take the fight to the enemy in some fierce battles for loot inside the randomly generated caves, but if you survive, there's always the pleasant thought of another day making money to come. Moonlighter is a deep, varied, and incredibly enjoyable indie you won't want to skip on.
Silver Trophy: Celeste
Upon first impressions, Celeste may look like any other pixelated 2D platformer. But if you were to dig a little deeper, you'd uncover a truly meaningful experience that explores mental health and everything that goes with it, alongside a spectacular set of levels to jump through of course.
While your movement options may be limited, each and every stage tests you in a different way to keep you on your toes, and it's this that'll be the biggest draw for most. Precise platforming is required to beat Celeste's toughest tests, and so it's a good job that the control scheme remains simple throughout. As alluded to, Celeste is more than just a platformer, though. Its story tackles many a topic with respect, and this is what makes the title so special. You'll come for the platforming, and leave as a better person for it.
Gold Trophy: Dead Cells
Could Dead Cells be the best rogue-lite of all time? It's most definitely up there. Motion Twin's 2D masterpiece boasts of incredible weapon variety, brutal and foreboding bosses to pit your wits against, and a persistent upgrade system that makes sure no death is in vain. No two runs through its labyrinth are ever the same, with new routes to uncover and enemies to slay every time.
Alongside those achievements, it's a game that feels so good to play. Whether you're dashing out of the way of an enemy attack, traversing the clock tower via the agile movement and jump mechanics, or stabbing a foe in the back, it's tremendous. With a flashy stab and swipe, Dead Cells nears the pinnacle of the independent scene.
Platinum Trophy: Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition
Hollow Knight had been a bit of a known quantity in the lead up to its release, but it wasn't until its PS4 debut earlier this year that we finally got to bare witness to its quality. Taking the shape of a Metroidvania, you'll battle your way through numerous unforgettable locations with only a slither of health to your name, with Dark Souls-like mechanics just begging to take your last breaths away.
It can't be understated how brutally difficult Hollow Knight can be, but that's not its only crowning accomplishment. Memorable boss fights make ghastly appearances, new skills open up different pathways, while a foreboding soundtrack and atmosphere will keep you on edge at every turn. Every area distinguishes itself with a new tone, lighting, and ambience, but if there's one location you'll never forget, it is of course the Deepnest. Hollow Knight offers the greatest experience available across a multitude of genres, and for that it is an untouchable, phenomenal journey through an insect's worst nightmare.
That's our list, but what was your favourite indie game of 2018? Is there something we missed? Let us know in the comments below.
Comments 18
Dead cells is my number one pick, already tried hollow knight on switch but the environment is too samey and dark, I like more varied setting like in castlevania sotn or more "bright" setting like guacamelee 2 or iconoclast.
Umm you guys have Silver and Platinum reversed. Celeste was my favorite game of all year. I liked it more that GOW, RDR2 and Smash. Just a hidden surprise for me personally.
I'd go Celeste myself but I didn't play too many indies this year. Dead Cells is on my list. Hollow Knight I found to be a bit too long. Crossing Souls was good and deserves a mention. I'll get Iconoclasts (sp?) in a future sale - I don't have Plus at the moment and would prefer it on Switch anyway.
Not sure what indie can top 2016's Hyper Light Drifter for me, though. Rarely does a game completely live up to expectations.
Eh. I think Hollow Knight's difficulty is overstated. It's really not THAT bad. It's certainly more approachable than certain older Castlevania games.
It's probably the best indie I've played this year, although I also think Iconoclasts deserves a mention. It's not a masterpiece, but it is unusually ambitious on a narrative level for a pixel art platformer.
Haven't played Celeste. I'll do so when it either becomes a free PS+ game or it gets a deep price cut.
Dead Cells was hands down the best indie game in YEARS. Indie games nowadays are just wannabe 2D Dark Souls combat clones with boring ass metrovania maps, but Dead Cells is just pure fun with it's break neck speed and smooth, floaty combat. If you like that type of boring ass DS clone, then go ahead, I can't change your mind. Just know you're wrong and your family doesn't respect you
I just played Donut County and Fe of indies this year. Not sure if Fe is considered an indie, being published by EA, but still a great game.
Donut County is pretty cool as well.
@Neolit Same here, these last years I’m also focusing way more on AAA experiences, that’s why I used to love when PS Plus was offering indie games, it was a great way to catch up.
@kyleforrester87 HLD is one of my favorite games ever. Pretty challenging also.
Still no love for Mark of the Ninja lol!
Hollow Knight deserved winner though...
I just started Hollow Knight and I can see why it deserves to be number one unfortunately that's the only one I have played but I'm planning on getting Gorogoa, Celeste, Yoku's Island Express, Guacamelee! 2, Owlboy and Overcooked 2, lol I want everything PS4 really has the best of both, Big and small games
I loved Ittle Dew 2+, also! A sorely overlooked Link to the Past-esque adventure which has a small but dense map chock full of secrets. Give it a try!
I've actually only played Celeste from those listed here, but it looks a pretty strong year and there's plenty of games that I'll hopefully get round to playing at some point.
Not played any of these, but I plan to try Dead Cells first as it sounds the most interesting, followed by Celeste. The best indie I personally played in 2018 was Inside, and Oxenfree being a close second.
Loved Dead Cells and Hollow Knight for sure. Celeste definitely feels overrated, felt like an average game at best to me. The Messenger is a fantastic indie game as well, hopefully it comes to PS4 sooner rather than later.
I’ve only played Moss, and I haven’t finished yet, but so far it’s stellar and I love how it played with the “reader” (or person writing the story) logic of why things happen. It’s an interesting look at it for sure
Banner saga for me, I haven't played much this year but I love banner saga anyway.
Iconoclasts for me is up there though I liked Hollow Knight. I want to play Dead Cells
Iconoclasts, Shovel Knight and Chasm - the key factor for all of these being that they're on the Vita as could any of the games in this list. I'd rather pixelated games on a small screen rather than wasting the PS4 Pro's GPU.
I know the poor old Vita is going to have its life support pulled next year but for those of us out there that still use it, a cross buy indie game is a deciding factor.
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